Question

the graph below relates velocity to time.
the graph would most likely apply to which of the following events?
a soccer ball that is at rest is suddenly kicked.
a ball is thrown upward and returns to the ground.
a person who is running at a constant speed decides to run faster.
a car traveling at a constant speed applies its brakes and comes to a stop.
use the following graphs to answer the next question(s).
a driver starts her car and steps on the gas pedal. the car gradually accelerates to 50 km/hr. a few minutes later, the driver suddenly slams on the brakes to avoid hitting a box in the road. as the car comes to a stop, the drivers body appears to lurch forward in the seat until it is restrained by the seatbelt.
which graph best matches the motion of a car described in the paragraph above?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze option A

The graph of total distance vs time has a flat line when the car is moving at constant speed (distance should increase linearly). But in the description, the car first accelerates (velocity changes) and then decelerates. So option A is wrong.

Step2: Analyze option B

The acceleration - time graph in option B has a non - constant acceleration (a curve). But when the car is moving at a constant speed (after initial acceleration and before braking), acceleration should be zero. So option B is wrong.

Step3: Analyze option C

The velocity - time graph in option C: starts from zero (car starts), gradually increases (accelerates to 50 km/h), then has a flat line (constant speed for a few minutes), and then decreases (braking). This matches the description.

Step4: Analyze option D

The acceleration - time graph in option D shows a constant non - zero acceleration. But the car first accelerates (increasing velocity, non - zero acceleration), then has zero acceleration (constant speed), then negative acceleration (braking). So option D is wrong.

Answer:

C.